New Fasteners Used on the Composite Keel Beam for the A340-500/600 Program

For the Airbus A340-500/600 a composite keel beam of large dimensions has been designed and manufactured. The assembly techniques have been improved using large diameter lockbolts for composite applications that were specifically designed for the purpose. Lockbolt installation is simplified by the absence of friction and torque typical of threaded fasteners. The keel beam development evidenced the tendency toward thicker composite panels and even larger diameter lockbolts for the next A380.